How to Write Goals on Buying a Home

Writing a set of goals is a good first step to owning a home.

For most of us, buying a home is the single biggest purchase we'll make in our lives. And unlike a car, clothing or even a piece of furniture, it's also likely to be the purchase we'll have the longest. That's why it's important to create a series of goals that help clearly define the type of home you want to purchase. Taking the time to establish home-buying parameters at the outset can make the home-hunting process much simpler and more effecient.

1

Decide what type of home you'd like to purchase and write down the pros and cons of each. For example, a condo is often an affordable option and has relatively low maintenance associated with it because the management company takes care of lawn and exterior maintenance, but the monthly dues can get steep. A free-standing home gives you your own yard, more privacy and more options to add living space, but the upkeep can be extensive -- and expensive.

2

Locate the most desirable neighborhood for your new home. You'll want to write down some key factors when making this decision, such as distance to work and school; quality of schools; distance to conveniences such as grocery stores, restaurants and other entertainment options; accessibility to public transportation; and crime rates. You'll also want to take the overall feel of the neighborhood into consideration. Are the homes well-kept? Do they have enough space between them? Do people seem friendly? Don't hesitate to stop a local on the street and ask her to tell you the good and the bad of her neighborhood.

3

Create a list ranking the features that matter to you most in a new home. For example, maybe you want a large yard for a dog, a big basement for storage, or a large and modern kitchen. Decide if you want lots of small rooms or an open-plan design. Chances are you'll need to compromise on some of the things you place on your list, so having them ordered from most important to least will come in handy as you start evaluating properties.

4

Write a budget. This is perhaps the most important step of all in planning to buy a new home. You'll need to record how much money you have available for a down payment and how much you can afford to spend on your monthly mortgage payments. You'll also want to take into consideration other costs associated with homeownership, such as utilities, insurance, and any type of community or homeowner fees. If you find that your financial means don't allow you to buy the kind of home you define in steps 1 through 3, you can either develop a financial plan to help you save for a the home you want or reevaluate some of your home-buying criteria.

Tip

After you've clearly defined your home-buying goals, consider writing them up and bringing them to a real estate agent. With your requirements clearly defined, the agent will be able to show you properties that are likely to appeal to you, saving both of you time and effort.

About the Author

Michael Franco has been writing professionally since 1990. Having lived in both Singapore and Prague, he now works as a writer and editor in Asheville, N.C. Franco's work has appeared in publications such as "Discovery Channel Magazine" and "Islands," as well on various websites. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and an a Master of Arts in creative writing.